It took only one practice for Derek Fisher to usurp Darren Collison's job as the Dallas Mavericks' starting point guard.

Fisher started the Mavericks' 92-77 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night. He had two points on 1-of-8 shooting, with three assists and three turnovers, in 24 minutes.

Derek Fisher dons Mavericks threads days after signing with the team. (AP Photo)

On Friday, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told ESPNDallas.com that the newly signed Fisher “probably” will take over the starting duties going forward, although his signing was initially seen as an attempt by Dallas to add a veteran voice to steady the locker room.

"A lot of people like to throw around 'mentor' and 'leadership' and 'veteran experience,' " Fisher said, according to ESPNDallas.com. "Those are things I don't have to think about. I'm 17 years in the league. I've been in every situation, so being a good teammate to my teammates is not something I have to put a lot of thought into.

"As far as performance on the court, it's what the game dictates. When Coach has me on the floor, I'm just playing the game as it presents itself, never trying to do too much, but never being afraid to take advantage of my opportunities to help my team win. I want to be another example for everybody that every time you step on that court, you do the right things to win."

Collison began the season as one of the NBA’s surprise performers, leading the Mavericks to wins in four of their first five games, including a 99-91 victory over the Lakers on opening night.

Soon after that streak, though, Dallas began to flounder. The Mavericks have victories in four of their last 12 games, with three of those wins coming against the Pistons, Wizards and Cavaliers. They are off to an 8-9 start without star forward Dirk Nowitzki.

Collison’s troubles have coincided with those of the Mavericks. Before losing his starting spot, he averaged 12.2 points and 6.4 assists overall but 15.1 points and 7.0 assists in wins. He had five points and eight assists in 27 minutes Saturday.

Fisher could provide more stability while taking on a role similar to the one Jason Kidd filled before he left for the Knicks in the offseason.

"I told the guys today, this is not a pit stop," Fisher said. "This is not kind of the final whatever before I decide to retire soon. I'm here to give everything I have to help this team right now and continue to build as we go through this season.”